Cadmoindite is an extremely rare sulfide mineral typically found as a volcanic sublimates. It is characterized by its metallic luster and dark appearance, usually identified through analytical testing rather than visual inspection by the casual collector.
Is this cadmoindite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch cadmoindite with a known reference. Cadmoindite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cadmoindite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cadmoindite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Cadmoindite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Cadmoindite leaves black, Sphalerite leaves white to yellow-brown; luster reads metallic on Cadmoindite and resinous to submetallic on Sphalerite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Cadmoindite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside cadmoindite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cadmoindite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CdIn₂S₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 5.62 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Volcanic Fumaroles
- Typical price
- $50-300 for micro-specimens
Where rockhounds find cadmoindite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tolbachik volcano, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic fumaroles country, the host setting where cadmoindite typically forms. If you start seeing cadmium sulfide, sulfur in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find cadmoindite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
